160401: When bad things happen

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Gen 50:20)

The brothers of Joseph intended to kill him but sold him to slavery because their hearts were filled with envy and evil intentions. But God has a better plan. It was necessary for Joseph to be a slave, unjustly convicted, and suffer in prison before becoming the highest ruler in Egypt second only to the Pharaoh, an excellent administrator and a loving brother.

“So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. (Gen 50:21)

The experience of God’s love, blessings and grace enabled Joseph and will also enable us to live a life that is free of any bitter root. Until we only have love and forgiveness for those who wish us harm.

We put our trust in God at all times.

Umagang kay ganda kaibigan.

160331: Shine on

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)” Eph 5:8-9.

With great joy we celebrate our redemption. From darkness into light. From being a slave to sin to being free in Christ. From death to life everlasting. Let us therefore let our light shine before men. They will see our light as love in action and as right character before God and men

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12b)

Let the light of Jesus shine from us.

Umagang kay ganda kaibigan

160330: Believe

Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”  

“Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in him.”

Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.”

Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him. (John 9:35-38)

The cure to spiritual blindness is to believe in Jesus Christ.

Umagang kay ganda kaibigan.

160329: In the light of truth

Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” (John 9:39)

After Jesus healed the man who was blind from birth, the Pharisees questioned him. And when they learned that he acknowledged that Jesus is the Christ and is from God they threw him out of the synagogue. The blind man gained both physical and spiritual sight for he believed the truth and worshiped Jesus as his Lord and Savior. But many who can see will be spiritually blinded for they will deny the truth that Jesus is the Christ. The Son of God.

“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2Cor4:4)

May the light of God shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

Umagang kay ganda kaibigan.

160328: Fallow your hardened heart.

“Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.” (Hos 10:12)

In the midst of Israel’s unfaithfulness and ungodliness, God continues to show Israel the path to redemption. We may be in the same situation, unfaithful by creating other priorities that became our idols above God. We are to soften our hardened hearts, cultivate and prepare it to receive God’s Word, accept, and nurture it to grow and bear the fruit of God’s love in our lives.

“Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop – a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matt13:8)

It is time to seek the Lord…

Umagang kay ganda kaibigan.

160327: He has RISEN !

“He is not here; he has risen!” (Lk24:6)

The women came early the next morning but they found the stone door rolled away and they where wondering because they could not find the body of Jesus. But the angels of the Lord appeared before them and reminded them that Jesus has risen. Just as He has said.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”(1Pet1:3)

We come together today to give our utmost praise and worship to God our Father. For out of God’s mercy and grace, he has given us a renewed life. We have a  living hope that is certain and sure because our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is alive and with us today.

Umagang kay ganda kapatid.

160326: Sure victory

“So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day.” (Matt 27:64a)

After Jesus died, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus took His body and prepared it for burial in accordance with Jewish burial practices and laid Jesus in a brand new tomb.

The disciples totally forgot what Jesus told them regarding his resurrection but not the chief priests and Pharisees. They made sure that the tomb is well guarded until the third day.  They wanted to be sure that Jesus stay dead.

“We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!” (Mat 20:18-19)

Jesus died but after 3 days was raised to life and by His submission even unto death secured the victory of eternal life for all who believe in Jesus.

Umagang kay ganda at puno ng buhay kaibigan.

160325: Glorified

Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” (Jn12:23-24)

Jesus saw beyond the crucifixion. It is necessary for Jesus to die on the cross in order for Him to be glorified in heaven with God.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb 12:1-3)

Like the seed, God lives in us but we must yield to God’s desire to plant us. We submit to God’s will and die to ourselves in order for us to live in Christ and grow to the fullness of God’s glory.

To God be the glory.

Umagang kay ganda kaibigan.

160324: In remembrance of me

“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19)

Today we remember what our Lord Jesus has done for us. His broken body and shed blood was necessary for the salvation of all who believe in Him.

In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” (Luke 22:20)

And in memory of what Jesus has accomplished on the cross we remember that our next supper with Jesus will be together in the Kingdom of God.

Glory to God in the highest.

Umagang kay ganda kaibigan.

160323: Follow my lead

“When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them.” (Jn13:12)

As the last supper was being served Jesus stood up and washed the feet of the disciples. More than a gesture of hospitality, care, or humility. It was a final object lesson to stress an important point to His apostles and to anyone who wants to be His disciple. We are to follow His lead. We are to do what He does.

“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (Jn13:15).

Jesus even washed the feet of Judas despite knowing that he will betray Him later that evening. In the same way we are to share the gospel of salvation to all, even to our enemies and most especially those who are broken by sin and deny Jesus. To God be the glory.

Umagang kay ganda kaibigan.